This should come as a shock to very few people, but Krispy Kreme Donuts, which typically needs little reason to give away its donuts, is giving away free donuts today.
This time the free donut giveaway is in honor of Fat Tuesday 2026. But there’s a catch. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Fat Tuesday?
Today (Tuesday, February 17, 2026) is Fat Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras. The holiday always falls on the last Tuesday before the Christian holy day Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent.
Traditionally, Christians abstain from eating certain foods during Lent, especially the rich and fatty ones.
As a result, the Tuesday before the start of Lent has historically been a day when followers indulged in sweet and fatty foods — their last chance to do so in more than a month. This Tuesday therefore became known as Fat Tuesday.
Why does Krispy Kreme give away donuts on Fat Tuesday?
The ubiquitous donut chain never seems to miss an opportunity to give away free donuts.
While this practice may seem anathema to a profitable business model, Krispy Kreme knows that giving away a few donuts will likely encourage customers to spend more in-store than the chain loses by giving away carefully curated dough that costs only a few cents each.
After all, who can just eat one glazed donut or wouldn’t want to wash it down with a cup of coffee (with a high margin)?
What is Krispy Kreme giving away on Fat Tuesday 2026?
Participating Krispy Kreme Donuts locations are giving away a free original glazed donut to those who visit their store today.
However, there is a catch.
How can I get my free donut on Shrove Tuesday?
To get the free donut, you must wear beads, the traditional accessory people use to decorate themselves during Mardi Gras celebrations.
Like Krispy Kreme notes on her website“Bring your party spirit and your prettiest beads to a Krispy Kreme store near you for a FREE Original Glazed Donut per guest.”
The offer is available to those who physically enter a participating Krispy Kreme store or use the drive-thru. Unfortunately the offer is not available for online orders. A disclaimer on Krispy Kreme’s website also notes that the offer is valid today only and “while supplies last.”
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